Chandeliers have been around since the medieval times; although back then they were not as chic and stylish as they are today. Where once they were a symbol of wealth, nowadays chandeliers are used to complete a contemporary design in modern and chic homes.
Centuries ago, they used to be candle, crystal and glass behemoths. But with time and the introduction of gas and electrical lighting, those massive lighting fixtures became inefficient and cumbersome, as compared to the newcomers. Not much has changed since the 20th century introduced the widespread use of electrical fixtures. Decorating your interior with chandeliers is no longer complicated. All you must consider is that the large, expensive and flamboyant fixture you are purchasing will be firstly used to improve the aesthetics of the room. However, to create ambient light, you will, more often than not, not rely on the chandelier light on its own; you’ll have to boost the light with other sources. In fact, some of the flamboyant chandeliers are designed for decorative purposes and produce light that really has little use at the end of the day. However, regardless of the poor illumination from the lights, it is still worth having chandeliers in your home as they increase its value and makes it chic and contemporary.
There are different fixtures to the chandeliers besides the flashy and ornate ones. Of course, if you own an average home, you wouldn’t consider this kind of lighting. Instead, you seek those that are of smaller designs and yet beautiful and impressive. To create the perfect accessory for your dining table, use a chandelier with at least four covered lights.
Overhanging or pendant designs have become widespread. This is because they save space and provide adequate illumination for most moods and areas. Overhanging lights are as beautiful and impressive as the other kinds of chandeliers, but they’re less invasive, more compact and you can have many of them in various places in your home. The introduction of these smaller yet impressive fixtures has enabled interior decors to use the lights to complement and supplement a home’s décor instead of dominating it. A key factor to always consider is this: weight. How much does the fixture you’ve selected weigh, and how strong is the spot on the ceiling where you want to place it?
With the need for more practical chandeliers on the increase and the reversal of the historic trend that favored larger and more flamboyant chandeliers, they can now be used to add style to the average home. This is good news to the average consumer as this permits them to choose from a much wider choice of designs and sizes for interior décor in the average home. Of course, there are many factors that you should consider before selecting a chandelier for your home, but with the choices widened and made much easier for you, choosing one suited to your lifestyle is made much easier.

After working hard the whole day you probably look forward to going home and relaxing in your private space, far away from the hassles and stresses of the outside world, and out of bounds to your noisy kids. In other words, your bedroom is your private space, where you can escape into tranquility. Before curling up – maybe with a good book – a nice relaxing bath in your bathroom is perfect, but maybe the lighting is very bad in there. In fact, the average bathroom has terrible lighting, that doesn’t provide the right light in the places you need it most.
 
For bathroom lighting that is appealing, you should have at least three different sources of light. This is so you’ll have lighting that illuminates and enhances the space itself, it will make the room appear larger or smaller – depending on your tastes. Also, you want lighting to create a sense of ambiance and to draw attention to an interesting feature or specific design detail of the room. And, of course, you want lighting that will focus specifically on areas such as the basin, shower, and so on.
 
Ambient lighting
This is the lighting that is centralized, and you have many choices to choose from. When buying an ambient lighting fixture, look for one that will balance with your décor such as similar chic, faucets or hardware and so on. To add more flair, go for an overhanging fixture rather than a regular one. Track lighting or recessed lighting can also work well for you ambient lighting, but when trying to decide which kind of lighting looks best, consider your décor before deciding on a fixture.
Accent lighting
To add a touch of chic and sophistication, good accent lighting is a perfect idea. For instance, if your bathroom is a large room, a small lamp can add a touch of warmth, but be careful where you place it; it must be kept far enough from water to avoid electrocution. To highlight a decoration or cabinet, you can use a recessed light.
Track lighting
When choosing lighting options for your bathroom, try to avoid lighting that will cast shadows. If you want to fixture above a mirror, go for wall sconces rather than overhead fixtures, as they cast shadows. For complete coverage of the face when grooming, you can put wall sconces on either side of the mirror at eye level. Recessed lights and are ideal over your shower stall or tub area.
 

Deciding to renovate your kitchen to make it contemporary is a great idea. So, you may have spared no expense to create a sense of warmth and appeal there, but, at the end of the day, your kitchen appears gloomy and depressing. Why is that? It’s because you have missed one of the key elements of home decor design, that is: light. A designer knows how important this is. Used in the right manner, light can bring a room alive, and when improperly used, it can destroy a room’s appeal. It is important to consider lighting in your renovation budget. Picking the right lighting for your kitchen is not a difficult process at all.
 
First, you must consider the areas of your kitchen that don’t have enough lighting. Usually these areas include the sink, countertops, cabinets, and any open space above the cabinets. To fix this, there are many options available. You can use one or two track lights above the sink, as they provide enough lighting to wash dishes, and other related activities. If your range is one of the areas that aren’t getting enough light, you can make use of a fluorescent tube light that is energy efficient, and some come with a standard range fan. An alternative is to use a recessed down light in the general area of the stove.
 
At areas where you need the illumination to be gentle, such as the area where people gather to eat, you can have a ceiling fixture that has energy efficient fluorescent tubes. This will provide an evenly dispersed illumination suitable for your kitchen. To create a sense of warmth and the right light for the mood, combine three types of light to come up with a great product, namely, ambient lighting, accent lighting, and task lighting.
 
Ambient lighting. This type of light provides a gentle and soothing light source that is indirect. For example, a ceiling fixture, skylight, or outdoor light from a window can work. This kind of kitchen lighting will enable you to do your everyday kitchen tasks.
 
Accent lighting. This type of lighting is used to highlight or accentuate elements of a kitchen, and to provide a desired mood. You can incorporate it by using lights inside kitchen cabinets, and achieve it using standard spotlights. As an alternative to these kinds of fixtures, strip lights are also good.
 
Task lighting. As suggested by the name, this type of kitchen lighting uses spot, recessed, or track lights to directly point the light to an area that is used for standard kitchen tasks. Areas included are the countertop, where the food is prepared, dishes are washed and stacked, and other kitchen chores take place.

When you have a nice yard – either back or front, or maybe both – some nice lighting can help you to highlight the area, and allow you to use it at night. These days, with people concerned about the environment and even disease, you can get lights that will address both issues.

Standard Lights
Typically, exterior lights are the large waterproof variety. Especially in Florida the weather can be an issue. You don’t want the fixtures to short out in the case of rain or other inclement weather. There are canister types of fixtures and even ones that look like old fashion lanterns. Very often, you’ll want the lights wired together to make turning them on and off easy, and with the switch near the front of back door of your house. As the wiring, will have to run under your lawn, be sure to call the local utility companies to find out if you have any buried lines in your yard. You need to know not just about electrical lines, but also water, sewer, cable TV, internet, and so on! These days, there are a lot of lines that can be just under the surface. Also, if you have a sprinkler system for your lawn, there’ll be irrigation pipes as well. Yet another item to watch out for as you start to dig.
LED
One excellent way to provide some much-needed light to a yard, yet not do a lot of work, is by using LED fixtures. In general, these fixtures can be flexible plastic, often like a garden hose and the wiring is encased within it. So, not only are the fixtures completely waterproof, but installing them is as easy as laying them out across the lawn, and then plug them in to an outside outlet. Also, as an LED gives off a small amount of light, this type of fixture is ideal for an apartment or condo or if you have neighbors who complain about lights shining in their windows.
Solar Power
For the environmentally conscious solar power is great choice. When it comes to outside lights, this means that you can make use of lighting fixtures that are solar powered. A small photoelectric cell on each fixture can charge a battery in it, and then the light comes on at night. Another feature to such fixtures is that they can have an automatic toggle switch so that they come on when it gets dark and go out when the sun comes up.
Insects
Of course, one aspect of being outside means dealing with insects. Florida is a prime location for mosquitoes and all manner of flying, crawling and biting bugs all year long. If you use standard white light bulbs, they tend to attract such critters. Much like the old saying: moths to the flame. One way to lessen this problem is by using amber colored bulbs and various other colors. There are various bulbs specifically designed to not attract insects. If they don’t do the trick, you can also get a bug light, also known as a bug zapper. They use a light to draw insects into an electrical grid that, well, zaps them.
No matter what types of lighting fixtures you use in your yard, there are plenty to choose from to create just the right lighting scheme.
 

There are certainly a lot of things to be considered when it comes to various lighting designs. You must always remember that the lighting, at times, helps to set the mood of a room. Imagine yourself in a romantic setup; you want the light settings to enhance and improve the atmosphere of the particular moment. Even a home office, work space or study room need a specific lighting design to make the area really shine.

There are a lot of options that you can run through when it comes to the different lighting setups to be used in a particular room. In the bedroom, you may want an array of assorted lamps to serve the different things you do there. A nice bedside lamp can serve as a great source of light for reading, while some soft recessed lights on a dimmer switch can create a splendid romantic mood. On the other hand, a ceiling fixture can give a nice general light to the room. In the kitchen, you’ll want a lighting design that illuminates the room in the best way possible, as the kitchen is where a lot of chores are done, and therefore needs to be a bright area. Fluorescent lights are good in a kitchen for general lighting, and then you can add small task lights to highlight a certain area of the kitchen.

When you want to add some light to a room in your home, you don’t necessarily have to change all of the lights there. If the room already has large floor lamps or ceiling fixtures, you can just increase the number of lighting fixtures instead. This can be done in a very artistic manner and thus add a fine touch to the room’s décor. A floor lamp can be used to add light to the room, and at the same time some beauty. Very often an antique lighting design can add real beauty to a room, but there can be a substantial cost. A way around that is to go with modern imitations of lights like Tiffany lamps etc.

The chandelier is one of the things that can be added to the lighting design of a dining room, and made the center piece of any room. It should be installed in such a way that it gives the entire room enough light. Typically, this type of light is setup in the center of the room, and therefore it’s often the main attraction of the room. The bulbs to be installed in the chandelier should be very bright, if shades are to be used in the chandelier, so as to not limit the amount of the light. If it’s a purely crystal or open chandelier, smaller bulbs can be used and still create a splendid amount of light.

To really add to the décor of a room, you can add lighting fixtures made with pieces of artwork. If you prefer modern fixtures, there are plenty made of brass, stainless steel, plastic, and other materials. No matter what type of lighting fixtures you use, they’re all designed to bring out the distinctive attraction of the room.

Winter time in Florida is great time to turn the air up and open the doors and windows.  Ceiling fans can be a great way to help circulate the air in your home for a low cost. Ceiling fans can be purchased from any major home improvement store or specialty lighting or fan store.
 
Installing your ceiling fan involves two main aspects: mechanical and electrical. Before the actual ceiling fan installation procedure starts, consider a few constructional aspects of your home.

You must make sure that proper wiring for ceiling fan installation is available in the house. Some ceilings may need to be braced to support the additional weight of a ceiling fan. So, a ceiling bracing must be inserted during the time of construction itself.  Having a licensed electrician inspect your home before you install any ceiling fan is a good idea.  Jermar Electric can perform inspections for any home owners wanting to get started on the right foot.

Once you are sure you can have ceiling fans it is time to start the installation process. Mark the area from where you intend the fan to hang. Hanging the fan from the middle of the ceiling ensures best air circulation. Avoid ceiling fan installation directly over a bed. The actual ceiling fan installation can be broadly divided into assembling the fan and mounting it.

Assembling the fan

-The assembling procedure varies with different brands. To assemble the various parts of a ceiling fan you have to follow the manual provided with the unit.

-If the fan blades are less than 10″-12″ away from the ceiling, there is no harm in installing the blades before hanging the fan.

Mounting

-Fix the mounting bracket to the electrical box tightly with the screws.

-In the time of the wiring, use the “working hook? provided with the mounting bracket to hang the fan on.

-Match the wires by following the standard color coding system (white to white, black or blue to black or blue and so on). Each connection should be covered with a securely screwed-on wire nut.

-Push back all extra wiring up into the electrical box.

-The fan should be electrically grounded to the metal box with the green or bare copper grounding wires. Connect the ground wires from the box, the fan and the power supply together with a wire nut, or a pigtail like wire which you have to attach to the box with a screw.

-Next slip back the ceiling cover to its full height and make it tight so that it does not move from its place.

-If you have a beamed ceiling you have to use a special beam mount for ceiling fan installation.

Hot Tip: Improper ceiling fan installation causes disturbances like wobbling, noise etc. But a proper ceiling fan installation adds to its longevity. If you need assistance in installing your ceiling fans, Call Jermar Electric. We provide installation at an affordable price.

Most of us still think “lightbulb” when we talk lighting or have that great idea. The old Edison-looking bulb with the glowing filament. This type of lighting is called incandescent and is steadily being replaced by solid-state lighting.​

Solid-state lighting (SSL) refers to light emitted by solid-state electroluminescence as opposed to incandescent bulbs which use thermal radiation or fluorescent tubes. SSL doesn’t produce as much heat and uses less energy therefore is becoming the favored source for lighting. The U.S. Department of Energy projects that SSL has the potential to reduce the lighting energy usage by 75%, contributing significantly to battling our nation’s climate change along with adding some extra change in your pocket.

Most of us are already using solid-state lighting in our homes and workplaces. The most common form of SSL are light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which emits a bright blue-white light and seems to last forever. But now there’s another type of SSL called organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) which are becoming a key focus for the industry. And this lighting is not in the form of bulbs.

Instead of the traditional lightbulbs, OLEDs are basically lighting panels. They are created by placing a light-generating layer of plastic semiconductor material, between between two electrodes. This create a very thin and flexible light panel that can be shaped, molded or placed in a frame. They also can combine thin layers of colored film to emit a softer white light than traditional LEDs. This makes the aesthetic versatilityextremely diverse.
Since this lighting is produced in flat panels the light emitted from OLEDs is a lower intensity and more diffused. It is much more like natural sunlight. This prevents harsh shadowing or glare than one can get from using traditional bulb lighting. For these reasons, OLED lighting works best in tight spots where one would desire to see details, such as desks and artwork displays. Also, it works well above places where people gather like the kitchen, dining room or conference room. And because of its ability to mold to different shapes, it lends itself to decorative This type of lighting can be looked at as organic rather than the traditional pure function.

As exciting as this new technology is, OLESs are not replacing the LEDs or lightbulbs yet. The lighting is still in its infancy stage. Styles are still limited and they are comparatively expensive. A one-paneled pendant light at Home Depot costs about $200. But as more companies invest in this technology, the costs will start going down and more variety will become available.
​
So maybe in generations to come, when they have a bright idea, they may think of a panel of light instead of a lightbulb.

Seasonal decorations, including lights, trees and wreaths, can help put your household in the holiday spirit. However, when not used properly, decorations–particularly lights–can create safety hazards or cause fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association holiday lights and other decorative lighting with line voltage are involved in an estimated average of 160 home structure fires each year which caused an average of nine civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $9 million in direct property damage. Electrical failures or malfunctions were factors in two-thirds of those fires.  In addition, 12% of home candle fires occurred in December; 1.5 times the monthly average.   
 
Keep your family safe during the holidays. Prior to use, read the manufacturer’s instructions for each item to understand how to use it properly. In addition, follow these best practices to ensure your holiday lights and decorations are installed correctly:

1. Double check lights for frayed wires or cracks, and be sure there is a bulb in each socket. Discard and replace damaged strands.
2. When decorating outside, keep ladders and decorations away from overhead power lines. Ensure the ladder is securely placed on the ground before climbing.
3. Lights should be approved by Underwriters Laboratory. "UL" will be clearly displayed on the tag, signifying the product has been inspected for potential safety hazards. Red UL marks indicate the lights are safe for indoor/outdoor use, and green UL marks indicate the lights are only safe for indoor use.
4. Do not hammer tacks or nails into the electrical cord when hanging lights. Instead, use clips to safely attach lights to the house.
5. Use heavy-duty extension cords, and only use cords outdoors if they are designated for outdoor use. Avoid overloading extension cords by using no more than three sets of standard lights per cord.
6. If possible, outdoor lights and inflatable decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI). GFCIs help prevent electric shock by breaking the circuit when differences in the currents of hot and neutral wires occur.
7. Use a timer or turn off lights before going to bed, or if you will be away from home.
8. For special ornaments that plug into a bulb receptacle, use no more than two per strand, or check the manufacturer's directions.
9. Indoor lights should not touch drapes, furniture or carpeting. Keep lit candles away from flammable items, too.
10. Prevent tripping by placing cords and decorations in low-traffic areas where they won’t be walked on. Avoid twisting, kinking or crushing cords.
11. Unlike incandescent bulbs which generate most of their energy in heat, LEDs are cool to the touch—which also indicates greater energy-efficiency.
12. LEDs are made with epoxy lenses, not glass and are much more durable.
13. When hanging lights outdoors, use a wooden or fiberglass ladder.
14. Turn off all indoor and outdoor holiday lighting before leaving the house or going to bed.
15. Never drape anything over a light bulb or lamp shade.
16. Avoid using candles when possible. Consider using battery-operated candles in place of traditional candles.
17. Never leave an open flame unattended. Keep burning candles within sight.
18. Extinguish all candles before you leave the room or go to bed.
19. Place lighted candles away from combustible material and areas where they might be knocked over.
20. Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens.
21. Keep candles away from other decorations and wrapping paper.  Do not burn wrapping paper as a means of disposal.

Additionally, if you have children in your home, use safety caps on all electrical outlets that are not in use to prevent shock. Keep sharp objects out of reach, as well as items that could be swallowed.
By taking the proper precautions both inside and outside of your home, you can prevent hazards and focus on friends and family during the holidays. Don’t forget to periodically check lights and decorations throughout the season to ensure they continue to operate safely.

Jermar Electrical Services offers outdoor landscape lighting that life-up your home’s landscaping and enhance its overall appearance. This system is a typical low-voltage one that works with three simple ingredients: fixtures, low voltage electrical cable and a transformer. The installation part is quiet demanding for those who have a little experience in handling electric wiring. We offer high quality and skill and can do it with an impressive degree of expertise.

With Florida weather heading to the cooler months now is the time to think about outdoor lighting and how to utilize that beautiful outdoor space fore entertaining and enjoying the beautiful Florida evenings.

Some lighting concepts we can offer include:
Area lights – These may be flood lamps and pother lights that are used to illuminate a large area. These can be used creatively to generate dramatic results. You can use them for parks, play areas, pet areas, pool areas and any large area you want to light up.

Pathway lights- These are especially designed to furnish visibility to commuters moving on the pathways. They are among the chief part of outdoor landscape lighting. Thus they need to be well done. For this purpose, our team has a creative and specialized experience on this front.

House lighting-As a home lighting instrument you can attract visitors. They can be put up on the gate, front lawn, building exterior and give an impression of an atrium. Landscape lighting leaves the visitors spellbound. This is one of the most sought after landscape lighting offerings. Designs of trees, fountains, etc can be highlighted on your property and enhance its outlook.

Let Jermar Electrical Services help brighten your property. We can help you develop an exceptional and secure outdoor lighting option. Thus, our outdoor landscape lighting furnishes a flattering appearance blended with technological, creative, elegant and natural outlook.
 
Other landscape lighting options include:
Up Lighting | Down Lighting | Back Lighting | Shadowing | Grazing | Highlight or Focal Point | Cross Lighting | Path Lighting |Silhouette Lighting | Wall Washing | Mirror Lighting | Safety Lighting | Underwater Lighting

Jermar Electrical Services, is your licensed Electrical Contractor who help you create beautifully lighted outdoor and indoor spaces. Call today for a free estimate.

When considering new construction or a remodeling project, one of the most important aspects is the electrical portion of the work. While many homeowners do some of the electrical work themselves, it is wise to enlist the services of a licensed electrical contractor. Electrical wiring, circuit boxes, and fixtures can represent a severe hazard, resulting in fire or injury if not properly assembled and installed.

Most local building authorities require that even residential electrical wiring meet local code specifications. An inspection must be performed upon completion of work before drywall is installed, and a certificate of inspection provided by the inspector or licensed electrician.

Finding the Right Contractor
When hiring an electrical contractor, make sure they meet these guidelines:

• Provide a written quote for the price of the work they will be doing.
  
• Provide references of completed projects, and proof of current liability insurance.
• Are licensed for work in your locality
• They will obtain the necessary permits and application for inspection
• They will provide the signed certificate of inspection upon completion
  

After selecting an electrical contractor, and when drawing up the contract, be sure to include detailed information on project specifics. Include such things as start and finish dates, specifications of fixtures and materials, and a detailed payment plan.

The Inspection Process
Because wiring, circuit boxes, and fixtures must meet electrical code and be inspected before other aspects of the project can be completed, it is important to meet with all other contractors when planning and scheduling work, to insure the project progresses smoothly.

In addition to the mentioned inspections, if there will be any buried cable involved, that will also need to be inspected before trenching is backfilled. Wiring to the meter, the main disconnect, and grounding must also be inspected.

Portable electric generators provide a good source of power, but if improperly installed or operated, can become deadly.
To keep families safe, The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offer a helpful new video and recommend taking the following precautions:
• Contact a licensed electrician to install your generator to make sure it meets local codes. Do not connect generators directly to household wiring without an appropriate transfer switch installed.
Power from generators connected directly to household wiring can backfeed along power lines and electrocute anyone coming in contact with them, including lineworkers making repairs. Other tips include:
• Make sure your generator is properly grounded.
• Keep the generator dry.
• Make sure extension cords used with generators are rated for the load, and are free of cuts and worn insulation and have three-pronged plugs.
• Do not overload the generator. A portable generator should be used only when necessary and only to power essential equipment or appliances.
• Never operate the generator in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. Use carbon monoxide detectors in nearby enclosed spaces to monitor levels. Generators can produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly, which can be deadly.
• Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
• Make sure fuel for the generator is stored safely, away from living areas, in properly labeled containers and away from fuel-burning appliances. Before re-fueling, always turn the generator off and let it cool down.
• Turn off all appliances powered by the generator before shutting down the generator.
• Keep children away from portable generators at all times.
Electricity is a powerful tool. It can also be a lethal hazard. Better safety standards have reduced electrical hazards that cause deaths, injuries and property damage. But good safety habits are still the best prevention against electrical hazards.
 
​

When was the last time your home had an electrical checkup?
The wonderful weather of Summer presents the easy opportunity to request that an electrician visit and have your homes electrical system thoroughly checked. Similar to the way we as people go to the doctor for a physical, a homes electrical system should receive annual or semi-annual inspections. The main reasons we would do this are to protect the longevity of the house, protect the inhabitants well being and maintain the best efficiency – which can save you money on your energy bill.
Throughout the year as electrical devices in the home wear and tear, make a list and store it in an accessible place. The more work that can be done in one visit by an electrician, the more you will save versus paying for several visits. Most electrical problems should only be handled by a professional. This is mainly due to the safety risk involved as well as any job not done correctly can cost time and money in the future if not up to code. Once you have enough items on your list to take action, review the home for any other electrical problems that may have been overlooked.
This is also a great time to do an evaluation of your electrical usage needs. Do you or your family need more power in the home? If so, include that on the list and ask the electrician if an upgrade is available. Finally, in preparing for your checkup, it may also be appropriate to determine if your home could use money saving electrical fixture upgrades. For example, you may want to upgrade frequently used rooms from common incandescent lights to fluorescent ones. This will reduce the electrical consumption and lower your energy bill.
At JERMAR we offer over 30 years’ experience and specialize in individual homes. We provide hassle free estimates and quality workmanship.  However, always do your homework and make sure you ask any electrical contractor the following questions.
* Number of years of experience
* Types of specialty
* Type of charge: by the job or by the hour
* “Ballpark estimate” for your job
Depending on your job, the best rate may not be the best fit. This often correlates with experience, and that is a matter of your personal preference.
Finally, once the job is set up, prepare for the electrician’s visit. Be sure to clear all work areas of any fragile items, home decorations and furnishings. It is also necessary to make sure that the panel box is clear and ready to be accessed. This will save the electrician time, which means you save money. Once the visit is complete you can rest assured that your homes electrical safety has been optimized and you will be operating at an efficient level.
​

​After a tropical storm or hurricane don't return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

•          Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.
•          Use a battery-powered flash light to inspect a damaged home.
  Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.
•          Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.
•          Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
•          Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks.

Before You Enter Your Home After a Tropical Storm or Hurricane
Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.
Do not enter if:

•          You smell gas.
•          Floodwaters remain around the building.
•          Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Going Inside Your Home
After a tropical storm or hurricane you can go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

•          Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbor’s residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.
•          Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.
•          Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.
•          Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.
•          Water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.
•          Food and other supplies. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come in to contact with floodwater. Your basement. If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.
•          Open cabinets. Be alert for objects that may fall.
•          Clean up household chemical spills. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also clean salvageable items.
•          Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of damages. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.

 

This is the time of the year when we all decorate our homes, inside and outside with lights and other decorations. You remember the movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? Well you certainly do not want that to happen to you now do you? Did you know that according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission it is estimated that about 12,500 people each year go to hospital emergency rooms for falls, cuts, shocks and burns related to holiday decorating?  Electric shock, burns can result from too many light strings strung end to end, low-wattage ornaments burning high-wattage bulbs or overloaded extension cords. 
Using candles also can cause injuries fires and even death. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission candles start about 11,600 fires each year, resulting in 150 deaths, 1,200 injuries and $173 million in property loss.
So here are some safety tips for you so as to avoid the risk of fire or electrical injury.

1. Always inspect your light strings and discard any that are damaged. Be sure to replace any missing or broken bulbs. 
2. Most manufactures recommend you only connect 3 light strings together. 
3. Indoor VS Outdoor lights – Outdoor lights run hotter than indoor lights and are weather resistant. Outdoor lights should never be used indoors. Indoor lights should not be used outdoors as they may not withstand the weather. There are lights you can purchase that can be used both indoors and outdoors. 
4. Never run extension cords through water including outdoors. 
5. Do not overload extension cords. Check the wattage rating of your extension cord, as well as the power requirements of any lights or decorations you are plugging into it. 
6. When hanging lights outdoors - fasten them securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports or run strings of lights through hooks. Use insulated staples and never use nails or tacks. 
7. Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles to your home. 
8. For outdoor lighting – be sure you are using a GFI outlet. This type of outlet will shut down the circuit in the case of overload. 
9. Inflatable blow up decorations – make sure they are secured according to instructions. Shut the blower down when it is windy, overnight or you are not home for long periods of time. 
10. Candles – be sure not to place them near curtains, bedding, paper, walls or in any other areas where there is a potential for them to cause a fire. Do not leave them burning when you are not at home or have left the room they are burning in. 

It is always better to err on the side of safety when decorating this holiday season. We at Jermar Electric wish you a happy and safe holiday season! ​

The Benefits of Whole Home Surge Protection 

Florida is the lightning capital of the world. Surge protectors are not just for computers. Power surges can ruin expensive appliances including refrigerators, TV’s, lighting control systems, security systems etc. Surge protection can be installed to protect your entire home. It makes little sense to spend a lot of money on expensive appliances without installing surge protection for your home. Lighting can send surges from not only nearby electrical wires but also through phone and internet lines running into your home or business. 

In Florida power surges are a common occurrence, not only from lightning strikes or downed power lines due to storms but also spikes in the current that flows through your wiring. Did you know that 60% to 80% of all power surges are within the home due to appliances that cycle on and off such as air conditioners, Refrigerators and dryers? When the power company switches grids during the day this also can cause a power surge.  

You may think that the greatest damage from power surges are from one large incident but in actuality it is from smaller surges over a period of time. These surges can damage your TV’s, Computers, Microwaves as well as phone lines, satellite connections and cable. These surges can cause these items to lock up or have glitches due to the circuits malfunctioning and in time will burn out. 

Whole home surge protection diverts these power surges to the ground. When a surge is detected, these surge protectors allow safe levels of electricity in and divert the extra into the ground. They are installed at your main panel and or at your power meter and therefor protects your entire home. Individual surge protectors only protect the individual items plugged into it.  It is also advisable to use individual units for sensitive equipment like computers and computer networks. Some power strips offer protection for very small surges so you should not rely on them to protect your valuable equipment. 

The benefits of having whole home surge protection is more than just protection of appliances so you do not have to replace them. It also minimizing the risk of fire caused by shorts within the wiring of your appliances and devices. 

 Another benefit is that your light bulbs can last four to five times longer. Light bulbs sense these power surges and receive the shock from them causing them to not last as long as they could. 

Whole home surge protection will save you money as you will not have to replace your appliances and equipment due to the damage power surges can cause over the course of time. 

When you experience a power surge from a storm or from your power being restored after an outage, would it not be nice not to have to worry that your appliances and equipment will be damaged? Whole home surge protection can give you peace of mind as you no longer have to worry about surge damage in any form. 

Jermar Electric provides whole home surge protection installation. If you want to protect your valuable equipment and appliances in your home or office, do not hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to provide you a free estimate as to the cost of this installation. We service Cape Coral, Fort Myers, No. Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs, Lehigh Acres, & Beyond! 

An extension cord is an insulated, flexible electric wire fitted with a plug at one end and one or more outlets on the other.  It provides a convenient way to use electrical equipment that can’t reach a wall outlet or provide more electrical power in area.

We have seen the use of extension cords in nearly every home and business we have serviced, and often wondered if the hazards were ever considered!  We know that an extension cord is an easy fix to bringing power to an item or area, but is “safety first” always considered.  Here are some simple, yet important safety concerns to consider when thinking of using an extension cord!
 Safety Tips!! 

These important safety principles can help keep your home or office safe from electrical hazards:

• Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; unplug and safely store them after every use.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.  Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
• Make sure extension cords are properly rated for their intended use, indoor or outdoor, and meet or exceed the power needs of the appliance or tools being used.
• Do not run extension cords through walls or ceilings.  This may cause the cord to overheat, creating a serious fire hazard.
• Keep extension cords out of high traffic areas like doorways or walkways where they pose a tripping hazard.
• Insert plugs fully so that no part of the prongs is exposed when the extension cord is in use.
• Do not nail or staple electrical cords to walls or baseboards.
• If an extension cord is need for a longer period of time, temporary power taps can be used when insufficient electrical receptacles are available.  These devices may have 3 to 6 electrical receptacles, a circuit breaker, a 6-foot to 15-foot cord and surge protector, and should bear the mark of a certified testing organization.
• Ensure that all extension cords are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL, CSA or ETL and always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

 Facts and Statistics!!

Extension cords are a leading cause of electrical fires and can cause injury and death if used improperly – according to the CPSC:

• An estimated 3,000 plus residential fires originate from extension cords each year, killing and injuring over 300 people.
• More than half of the injuries involve fractures, lacerations, contusions or sprains caused by people tripping over the cords.
• Continual use can cause the insulation to rapidly deteriorate, creating a dangerous shock and fire hazard.
• A heavy reliance on extension cords is an indication that you have too few outlets to address your electrical needs.  Have additional outlets installed by a licensed electrician where you need them!

Understanding extension cords and their use is your best way to stay safe!  Jermar Electric will always be available to assist you in finding your remedy to your extension cord dilemma!

There you are sitting in your favorite chair, watching your favorite TV show when out of nowhere you hear it. The chirp… chirp… chirp of your smoke detector. This could mean one of several things; your battery needs replacing or it could mean the sensor within it needs cleaning. 

Whether you have a battery powered or electric with a battery backup, the chirping most commonly means your battery(s) needs to be replaced. To avoid this it is best to change the batteries in all your smoke detectors when you change your clocks. If you have an electric powered detector then change your batteries at the beginning of each New Year. Be sure to have new, fresh batteries on hand as well. 

Smoke Detectors have sensors which can get blocked by dust. So if the chirping continues even after replacing the batteries, they try vacuuming your detector. If you have battery powered, then open the cover and vacuum gently with a soft brush. However if you have an electric powered then you will need to turn the power off to all the smoke detectors. You can do this at your breaker box. Then vacuum the outside vents only. It is best to do this once a year. You can combine this with changing the batteries at the first of each New Year.  

If your detector continues to chirp and you have replaced the batteries, and vacuumed it, then it may be that you need to replace the detector. Smoke detectors last between 7-10 years.  You can test your detector by pushing the test button. If it does not chirp and you have replaced the batteries and you have vacuumed it, they you may need a new detector. If you have battery powered detectors, then when you replace them consider having them electrically installed by a licensed electrician. You can have them interconnected so that when one goes off, they all do which provides added safety. In addition you do not need to replace the batteries as often. 

So let’s test your knowledge of smoke detectors. Do you know where smoke detectors must be installed within your home? 

Jermar Electric is family owned & operated state certified electrical contractor since 1986 and provides residential and commercial electrical services in the Lee County areas of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Sanibel, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island and Bonita Springs.